Persistent social inequality in low intake of vegetables among adolescents, 2002–2014

Bibliographic Data

ID15095035
AuthorsMorten Rasmussen (0000-0002-6276-7341, University of Southern Denmark), Mette Rasmussen (0000-0003-2847-1544), Trine Pagh Pedersen (0000-0003-4622-6534, University of Southern Denmark), Nina Føns Johnsen (0000-0001-6272-0730, National Research Centre for the Working Environment), Rikke Fredenslund Krølner (0000-0002-4928-4310, University of Southern Denmark), Bjørn E Holstein (0000-0002-4348-280X, University of Southern Denmark, corresponding author)
Year2018
Volume21
Issue9
Pages1649-1653
Publication date2018-06-01
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenuePublic Health Nutrition (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1368-9800 • E-ISSN: 1475-2727
PublisherCambridge University Press (CUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1017/s136898001800040x
PMID29506596
OpenAlexW2793967339
LanguageEN
Citations received7
References cited22

Objective To examine the trend in social inequality in low intake of vegetables among adolescents in Denmark from 2002 to 2014 using occupational social class (OSC) as socio-economic indicator. Design Repeated cross-sectional school surveys including four waves of data collection in 2002–2014. The analyses focused on absolute social inequality (difference between high and low OSC in low vegetable intake) as well as relative social inequality (OR for low vegetable intake by OSC). Setting The nationally representative Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study in Denmark. Subjects The study population was 11–15-year olds ( n 17 243). Results Low intake of vegetables was defined as less than weekly intake measured by food frequency items. OSC was measured by student reports of parents’ occupation. The proportion of participants who reported eating vegetables less than once weekly was 8·9 %, with a notable decrease from 11·9 % in 2002 to 5·9 % in 2014. The OR (95 % CI) for less than weekly vegetable intake was 2·28 (1·98, 2·63) in the middle compared with high OSC and 3·12 (2·67, 3·66) in the low compared with high OSC. The absolute social inequality in low vegetable intake decreased from 2002 to 2014 but the relative social inequality remained unchanged. Conclusions The study underscores that it is important to address socio-economic factors in future efforts to promote vegetable intake among adolescents. The statistical analyses of social inequality in vegetable intake demonstrate that it is important to address both absolute and relative social inequality as these two phenomena may develop differently

Economics · Environmental health · Food intake · Inequality · Population · Social class · Social inequality · Sociology · Demography · Health disparities and outcomes · Mathematics · Medicine · Nutritional Studies and Diet · Obesity, Physical Activity, Diet · Psychology · Gerontology

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